[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO PETER ``TOM'' SAVICH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise before 
this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to the life 
and memory of an extraordinary citizen from my district. Peter ``Tom'' 
Savich of Silverton, Colorado recently passed away at the age of 
eighty. Tom was an involved citizen and a fixture of his community, and 
I am honored to pay tribute to him here today.
  Tom was a life-long resident of Silverton, living in the house in 
which he was born for his entire life. Like so many of his generation, 
Tom heeded his country's call and served in the Army during World War 
II. On D-Day, Tom fought with the troops that stormed Omaha Beach in 
Normandy. He fought with remarkable bravery and courage, which earned 
him the Bronze Star for bravery, the Medal for European-African-Middle 
Eastern Service, and the French Jubilee of Liberty Medal.
  Upon returning home, Tom became very involved in his community. He 
helped found Silverton's American Legion Post 14. He was active in the 
rehabilitation of the Silverton Hillside Cemetery, and he took a 
leadership role in maintaining many gravesites that would have 
otherwise been neglected. Tom was especially concerned with the graves 
of bachelor miners and was instrumental in ensuring that their final 
resting places received proper care and attention. Tom also collected 
artifacts chronicling Silverton's history, which he organized into the 
Tom Savich Museum.
  Mr. Speaker, Tom Savich was a humble, generous person who cared 
greatly about his fellow man. As his family and friends mourn his 
passing, I am honored to pay tribute to Tom's life and his dedication 
to his community here today.

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